Choi Jin-sik, chairman of the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea (FDMEK), met with Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing on the 16th, stating, "To effectively respond to changes in the global economic environment, we must urgently restore and strengthen practical Korea-China economic cooperation."
Choi noted, "In recent years, exchanges between the two countries have significantly decreased in all areas, including the economy. However, China, which is the largest trading partner and the third most desired market for middle market enterprises, is a long-standing neighbor and an extremely important partner for the Korean economy as a giant consumer market, a production base, and a key supplier of raw materials. We must actively cooperate to address complex challenges, such as supply chain restructuring, climate crisis, and aging, that a single country finds difficult to solve, and seek new growth paths suitable for each other's developmental stages."
Choi further stated, "Although there have been conflicts both large and small, the historical connections and geographic proximity that have sustained exchanges between our two countries since ancient times must evolve into a practical and complementary cooperative relationship suitable for the global capitalist system. I hope that by expanding opportunities for solidarity and cooperation not only with ASEAN+3 (Korea, China, Japan) but also with many countries in Northeast and Southeast Asia, we can enhance the uniqueness of this region, which constitutes an important pillar of the world economy."
Ambassador Dai stated, "Korean middle market enterprises are important partners of the Chinese economy and industry, possessing technological capabilities and flexible response capabilities, and form the core of strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. We will actively support the smooth entry of Korean middle market enterprises into China and closely communicate with the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea (FDMEK) to ensure that cooperation and exchanges between our two countries can be further expanded."